Obituary of Dr. Robert L. Van Dyken

Robert L. Van Dyken, age 78, was called home to the arms of his Savior on Sunday afternoon, February 12, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, WI. Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 18 at Faith Reformed Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor Vance Elzinga will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Friday at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids and from 12:00 P.M. until the time of services on Saturday at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net. Bob was born June 29, 1938, in Manhattan, MT, the son of Bert and Rose (Vander Ark) Van Dyken. He attended Manhattan Christian School, Cerritos Community College, Montana State University, and University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He graduated medical school from the University of Texas-Galveston Medical Branch and completed residency at Scott & White University Hospital in Temple, Texas. He married Barb (Zimmer) Van Dyken on November 26, 1971 in Alta Loma, CA. Bob and Barb moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 1977 when he became the first OB/GYN specialist at Riverview Hospital. He served the Wisconsin Rapids community as an OB/GYN doctor for 28 years and delivered over 5000 babies throughout the course of his career. Bob loved fishing, woodworking, golfing, hunting, watching sports and spending time with his family. He and Barb enjoyed traveling cross country with their family on many summer vacations. Having been raised in the mountains of Montana, he loved spending time in the mountains. He was able to take his “dream trip” to Alaska twice with some of his children and grandchildren after his retirement. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Barb; four children: Lisa Van Dyken, Waukesha, WI, Eric (Kim) Van Dyken, Prior Lake, MN, Bret (Katie) Van Dyken, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Lori Van Dyken, Rome, WI; four grandchildren: E.J., Kayla, Skylar, and Harper; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was greeted in Heaven by his parents, four siblings (Harvey, Agnes, Don, and Marv), and his grandson, Caleb. Known as “Dr. Bob” by many who knew him, he was much loved, because he loved much. Born with a heart defect, he understood how truly fragile life is and valued the sanctity of life at all stages - from conception through life’s last breath. He was a man of great faith in God, who lived his life for two purposes, to love and serve God, and to love and serve others. In his words, “God was given first priority, although God and family were so intertwined that priorities between the two were frequently indistinguishable.” He always saw the good in others and loved them unconditionally, never judging and always seeing their great potential. Micah 6:8 describes him so well, “…and what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” We have no doubt that this humble, kind, calm, patient, peaceful, generous, caring, compassionate, gentle, steady, forgiving, loving, faithful, mission-minded, good man has earned his crown of righteousness and is enjoying a front row seat at the biggest worship service ever in the presence of the Glory of God. We also are confident that he heard the Lord say to him “well done, good and faithful servant” as he entered the presence of God in Heaven. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me, the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will reward to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8. Memorials may be designated to First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center or to a memorial fund that will be established in his name at WoodTrust Bank to support missions.